Lt Alex Storm - The Battle Between Urgency and Bureaucracy

[Karen Morris]

(( Quarters 1418 - Deck 3 - USS Artemis-A ))

Flight plans, contacts, tactical plans, cornering Kona, finding Cassie.  Alex grasped the armrests, steadying herself.  Her head was swimming with things that needed to be done - yesterday.  Bergmen was pulling her attention away from where it needed to be.  

Storm:  I plan to leave in less than half an hour, and you’re telling me that I need to fill out five forms?

Alex leaned in, her white teeth showing through her confused grimace.

Bergmen: Yes, ma’am. And don’t forget to attach a copy of your original request for a takeoff slot.

Storm: And attach an original request. Right.

Bergmen: Correct, ma’am.

The saying flickered through her mind—you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Fine. Honey it is.

Storm: I don’t suppose there’s any way we can expedite this?

Bergmen: That’s a possibility… (beat) And that’s why I’m here, ma’am. ::keep smiling:: To help you… (beat) Fill the papers… (beat) And expedite things. ::nods::

Whether or not he sensed her relief, the OPS officer started in quickly.

Bergmen: So, size of the shuttle? For how many? Where? And the reason for the flight?

Storm: Shuttle size is irrelevant.  There will be three of us, and we’re going to Betazed.

Bergmen: Ok, so not Argo nor Runabout. Yes, Griffin is free, so I reserve that one. ::glance at Storm:: You can take another form and start filling… things will be quicker, you know. And you can ask if there is anything you do not know or do not understand…

Alex scooted to the edge of her seat.

Storm:  We’re going for my father-in-law’s funeral.  I haven’t seen my husband or daughter in two years. If I don’t get there soon, I’m afraid I’ll miss them..

Her voice dropped off.  One second stretched into five as she fought the internal battle.

Storm:  Lieutenant.  

Her voice sounded sharper than she had meant for it to.  She took in a breath and tried again.

Storm:  Lieutenant, I need to go.  Could you… would you help me.  Is there any way that you can fill these out for me?  Ask me any questions you need to.

Bergmen: Response

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

Storm:  I don’t want to miss my daughter.

Bergmen: Response

Storm:  You’ve done this before.  Not only haven’t I, but my mind is on ten different things already that I need to get done before I leave - let alone things that need done on my way.  Every minute matters. 

Alex reached out and put a gentle hand on the armrest of his chair.  

Storm:  Please, Lieutenant.

Bergmen: Response

~*~

Tags / TBC!

~*~

Lt Alex Storm

Tactical Officer

USS Artemis

O240103SK2